Saw an old (quick check tells me it was someting like a 58, with riveted clip) Waterman set today in a local shop that looked a yellow-green sort of color with brown swirls... is this juct a horribly discolored Woodgrain, or was something like this ever produced by Waterman?

Otherwise the pen (and matching pencil) looked to be in good shape. Should I pcik it up or stay away?

Without seeing, hard to be exact, but sounds like a late 1920's Olive Ripple, either model 94 or 52V. As per below...

regards

david

That set on the left of your picture is it! Thank you, David. It was fairly short (maybe 5") and overall looked to be in good shape. The nib, of course, was gunky but looked solid and straight and the body color was consistent. Assuming there are no cracks in the cap or at the lever, what would a fair price range be? How about if either spot has a crack? How much would that lower the range? Thanks, thanks, thanks for your help!

You don't see those very often so pricing is difficult. An unrestored crack free set with limited wear would command $200 or more. Properly restored and warranted, much more.

Went back today and the set was gone... he was only asking $50!

Sumgai got it!

A friend's wife picked up an Olive Ripple desk pen for $5. Its in really good shape and very nice looking.